Pages

Sunday, 17 August 2014

Kate Loves: Rebecca Deacon

During each royal engagement we see dozens of photos of Kate arriving, meeting officials, attending receptions and departing events. Those who look a little more closely, beyond Kate's dazzling smile and much talked about sartorial choices will notice another brunette just a few feet away.

Rebecca Deacon has become Her Royal Highness's most trusted and relied upon aide since the royal wedding.

The youngest of three sisters, Rebecca, known as Becca to her friends, was raised by her mother Selina after her father Michael, an army major passed away in 1986 when she was just three. After working as a house mother at Port Regis prep school in Dorset, her mother was ordained as a priest and is now a vicar at St John's, in the small Wiltshire Parish of Upper Studley. In 2007 she presided over her daughter Hannah's wedding.

During a 2009 interview Selina spoke and her work and her daughter's reaction:

'I was widowed when I was 34 and my daughters were eight, six and three. I had always been a regular churchgoer, and during that terrible time my faith became more of a living thing. The girls were filled with dread at the thought of seeing their mother in a 'dog collar' - not cool. My daughters are very proud now. My youngest, Becca, said she loves seeing me at the altar.'

In fact, Rebecca's family have moved in royal circles for some time. Her uncle Sir Philip Trousedell, ran Sandhurst Military Academy just a few years before Prince William and Harry attended. Appropriately Rebecca was a pupil at the exclusive Royal School in Bath, a school for pupils aged three to eighteen, before studying English at Newcastle University.

With her cut glass accent and talent for attention to detail, she landed her big break in 2007 when she worked on the Concert for Diana as an assistant to the producers. It was an incredibly important event for the Princes, marking ten years since the tragic death of their mother and raising much needed funds for causes close to their hearts including the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, homeless charity Centrepoint and a charity Harry co-founded, Sentebale.

William took notice of the brunette's organisational skills and her ability to work under pressure ensuring any project she's involved with runs smoothly. Following this, she worked with Harry's aforementioned charity before transitioning into the Princes' private office, where she quietly earned the respect of the royals through her hard work and dedication.

On 16th November 2010, a very special announcement came which altered the course of Ms. Deacon's career.

When William and Kate announced their engagement, wedding preparations were at the forefront of everyone's mind. However Prince William was quietly thinking ahead, considering the role, duties, responsibilities and pressures of the public glare his new bride would face and felt it important to ensure Kate had a valued member of staff whom she could rely on as she made the transition from Kate Middleton to future queen. With input from his most trusted aide, Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, Rebecca was assigned to Kate.

At the time, a royal source told The Mirror:

'William has never forgotten the way his mother was left to cope without any support from courtiers. He is determined that will never happen to Kate, even though it has brought him into conflict with officials from time to time. He wants to surround Kate with people she can trust.'

Rebecca took on her new role with aplomb and began juggling the various duties her role encompasses. Her duties include planning Kate's diary, ensuring the Duchess is fully prepared for engagements, knowing the background of the organisation and information on the people she will meet. From writing speeches, answering phone calls and keeping up with essential correspondence to ensuring there isn't a hair out of place before Kate meets the press, it's all part of her job.

As the Duchess began to undertake royal engagements and her first solo appearances whilst William was deployed to the Falklands, Rebecca was by her side for what must have been quite a daunting new experience.

When Kate greets the public at a walkabout, one often observes Rebecca quietly moving things along to ensure the needs of the schedule are met at all times.

Kate and Rebecca are around the same age and one imagines it's quite nice for her to have another woman around to chat with and discuss things, work-related and otherwise. Having such a trusted aide by her side has helped the Duchess become more confident and adjust to royal life.

It has been interesting to observe the growing interest in Rebecca's style during the last couple of years and we've found we're sometimes asked 'What did Rebecca Wear?' immediately after publishing a post. And it's not in the least surprising to hear those questions. Rebecca has an understated style which she no doubt puts plenty of thought into.

She is always perfectly dressed for the occasion and like Kate, ensures she is respectful of the event whilst never overshadowing the Duchess in the style stakes. Her wardrobe includes some striking pieces from Zara, Reiss, and Hobbs, with stylish black boots and sensible court shoes from Russell & Bromley.

This look below is a classic example of her style. A pretty black and white rope print shift dress by Oasis teamed with a fitted black blazer, black pumps and tights. Rebecca wore it for Kate's first solo engagement at the National Portrait Gallery.

A closer look at the dress.

Oasis

Does Kate's style influence Rebecca's? While we know Kate chooses her own clothing and her sense of style has evolved and changed in recent years, there's no denying Rebecca has some input and there are similarities in their style. During the recent royal tour of New Zealand and Australia she wore a 'very Kate' dress from Alice Temperley's diffusion line for John Lewis, 'Somerset by Alice Temperley'.

The Contrast Trim Dress from the SS13 Collection was an excellent choice. Youthful yet appropriate and perfect for the weather conditions. Embroidered with the signature whimsical aesthetic of the Temperley brand, it offers a Victorian-style finish to a contemporary shirt dress. It's a piece I could easily envisage Kate wearing.

Somerset by Alice Temperley

During the tour the Duchess carried a new clutch bag by well-known Australian brand Oroton. Rebecca, too, debuted a new bag by the brand. It's possible Kate was sent a selection to choose from and they both chose their favourites.

As Kate's right-hand woman, Rebecca works closely with other members of staff at Kensington Palace. Working closely and often spending weeks abroad and away from home leads to close friendships and last year it was revealed she had become particularly close to Nick Loughran, the Cambridge's media advisor. The two have been seeing each other since and it is reported to be "very serious" according to various royal sources (now that would be a wedding for William and Kate to attend, should it progress to that stage :)).

The demands of Rebecca's role will change in time to come. When William becomes first-in-line it will undoubtedly become a much more hectic role as she organises a full-time schedule of engagements for Kate and helps her to make another transition just as she did after the royal wedding.

'Rebecca has become a key person in the Duchess' life. She knows when to stand back and let Kate meet the public and when to step forward and introduce herself.

Although Rebecca now has a relationship with the young royals where she can be relaxed and talk to them as her friends, she remains very respectful of their status. She will routinely curtsy and maintains an entirely professional relationship with them. The younger royals are known for being more relaxed, but there is still a respect for tradition.'

I do love this photo which was taken during a trip to Scotland last year after an event had ended. An onlooker caught the snap of the two sharing a giggle on the way back to their car. There's something very natural about the informality of it and it's interesting to see them interacting outside of a professional setting.

Simon Vigar Twitter Feed

I expect we'll see Rebecca by Kate's side for many years to come, and it will be quite a journey for Ms. Deacon as she helps to prepare her for future life as a queen.

386 comments:

So much information here and putting Rebecca in the spotlight for a change makes me see her in such a different light. I imagined her to be a "severe" type of person, but seeing so many photos of her in one post, I can see that she has some humour about her, as well as being incredibly proficient.

I can't get over the resemblance of Kate and Rebecca (from a distance that is), and I have noticed the similarities in clothes they both wear. Have you noticed that their outfits are remarkable similar for the same engagement? It might be in colour, style, combination of cropped jacket/dress, or coat/boots. I wonder if they both sit there having a bit of fun trying to co-ordinate the look?Bit like we did when teenagers on the phone the night before going out. Always had to discuss the outfit and usually co-ordinate with the best friends outfit. :)

Often I find myself preferring Rebecca's choices. The navy Temperley with the white peter pan collar - so darling. And the navy chiffon/sequence number at the Tusk Trust Awards was lovely too.

As the Cambridge's slow down their public work, I wonder how Rebecca will occupy her time. Will it be more of a PR role back at the palace once W&K move to Amner Hall?Or as you suggest Charlotte - perhaps wedding bells might be appropriately timed for her and her beau in the near future.

I have noticed similarities in Kate and Rebecca's style, they both favour coats and boots in the winter and tend to select the same pieces quite frequently. Looking at all the photos they could be sisters.

I imagine Rebecca keeps herself very busy planning future events and various administrative duties. The Temperley dress is just so pretty :)

Helen, when I saw the photo of Rebecca and the nanny, I almost thought it was Kate. And the navy Temperley *is* lovely. Definitely something Kate would wear. And did anyone notice that Rebecca's gold earrings and necklace in the second photo is almost identical to what we have seen Kate wear?! I don't think Rebecca's goal is to *copy* Kate, but she can't overshadow her.

I also want to add this.... it's very significant that Rebecca started her royal career with Kate rather than being reassigned from another royal. That has been done in the past and I often wondered if there weren't "loyalty issues", etc.

Helen: Don't worry about how Rebecca "will occupying her time" when W&C are at Amner Hall. It will only make her life busier to travel between KP and AH and accompany Catherine on all her engagements. Remember that some of her visits (especially to hospices) are under the radar; therefore, they will require more logistical planning because evading the press must be part of the plan. As Diana, the late Princess of Wales remarked when opera tenor Ben Heppner responded to her question that he was booked 3 years in advance--"So are we." No doubt W&C's calendar is much the same.

As Catherine's assistant, Rebecca will need to be on top of everything including suitable clothes for every moment of every event. Having coordinated international exchanges myself, I regularly needed to advise guests as to the shoes and clothing they would require as they went through a day's activities which might start with a walk in a watershed park or wild bird sanctuary, stop at City Hall to meet dignitaries and end up at a hockey arena.

Rebecca will be the keeper of the list for all of Catherine's wardrobe needs and changes on any given day. She will know which carefully labelled and likely numbered bags have the (dreaded) wedges or the nude pumps. With that information in her hands, it is simple for her to choose something appropriate to the Duchess's choice.

Add a personal relationship with another staff member to the list of events in Rebecca's life, she won't be looking for opportunities to occupy (non-existent) down time.

What an interesting post, thank you Charlotte. It is great to get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes. Rebecca Deacon seems to have it all sorted.

I had recently started to wonder about her, and notice her in the background. Her choice of clothing is impeccable and she really does "blend in" very well. She does look a lot like Catherine, they could almost be mistaken for sisters. Rebecca's outfits are really lovely and appropriate, but never does she overshadow the duchess.

I am happy that Catherine has Rebecca to help her, she seems very capable. I hope she stays true and honest and doesn't write a biography in the years to come.. Catherine and William really need people around them that they can trust.

I still think that we will see Catherine and Rebecca out and about soon. At least I hope so. They did say "no change" in schedule, and that will do fine for me. Very nice not having to press that dreaded "load more" button this time. It really does my head in!

For you yanks and citizens of the world, here comes the Aussie test: Have you ever tried Vegemite?

Yes Florence:- "we're happy little vegemites as bright as bight can be..........." (singing tune)If you're my generation and older, that familiar jingle really sticks in your brain.Kids used to sing it in the school's playground.Great advertising for a very "interesting" product.

You have now given us a mission to bring up all things uniquely Australian. :)

Thank you so much Charlotte! You have answered my prayers! The appropiately named "dreaded load more button" killed my smart phone this morning! I had to push it 7 times, and after the last one, I couldn't scroll on the touch screen, and I couldn't open anything! Actually, I think my phone is overloaded with too much data and I need to clean/clear caches and memory. But I still can't push anything to do so! Lol, so I'm either going to have to take it and get it looked at or get a new phone entirely, sigh. I will lose all my kids pictures on there and all my contacts numbers. I'm praying the phone techs can help me. I hope you know I was joking Charlotte, about it being the "load more" button :). Luckily, I have a wonderful fiance, who graciously lent me his phone so I could visit our dear community!

On subject, I love this post! I had noticed Rebecca in a lot of photos recently. And it really is amazing the similarities between her and Catherine. One kind of surprising to me, which I hadn't paid attention to before, she is/or almost is, the same height as Catherine. I guess I find it surprising because the Duchess is fairly tall, maybe it shouldn't be a surprise, but it is nevertheless. Has anyone else thought about that? Just curious.

I think Rebecca's sense of style is great. She always looks appropiately dressed. And I love the look she wore to the Tusk Awards! Beautiful dress, in my opinion.

I see the Aussie Trio is in full swing already lol! Nice to see you ladies, and Royalfan and Philly as well! Florence, as far as the Vegemite, I have never tried it, but I know someone who has. Does that count? My "dear brother" (I am sure you remember me mentioning him very recently, and I will refrain from calling him anything but brother on here) tried it when the band he was touring with landed in your wonderful country. His goal was to eat something, in every country they were in, that was truely authentic to that country. And thus, he tried Vegemite in Australia. He said he throughly hated it lol! He couldn't really describe it either, I remember. Said there was nothing comparible to associate it with. So can you tell me, is there anyway to describe what it tastes like?

Bluhare, similar to marmite yes. Sorry to go off topic.Some people find it annoying. Sometimes it's just nice to "get to know" people a bit here.I am happy to chat to anybody about Catherine. Or Rebecca. It's just a bit limited atm,And it's nice to develop a friendly tone. I think. What is your opinion Bluhare, I value it a lot.

Florence, first thank you for that very nice compliment. As you know, I've never met a topic that I could stay on for very long. Short attention spans here in bluhareville! It's not going off topic that's irritating people. It's the honking and all that. I know your intent was in the right place, but it's having the opposite effect and making people feel excluded rather than included. Plus there's a lot of it. :) And that does get trying when you're scrolling through looking for a conversation. I got a bit irritated and was called a duck hater. Really? Duck hater? I suppose that's better than a smiling assassin though. :)

I missed that entirely bluhare. Sorry. I now wish Catherine would get out there, be busy and the Anons would be happy because no honking and no ducks. A nice evening gown and those gloves you mentioned further down. Yes please. I'll go off to the highlands for a bit again. This is Stressville, and I've had enough clonewars to last me a lifetime.

love your post charlotte of rebecca deacon was a great help for the duchess and duke cambridge she really took care of the duchess affair or her official outing doing her duties as well properly that why she trusted by william and kate public affairs as well

Hi, Charlotte! It's a MIRACLE!!!!I can't believe it!! Not only That, I have NO idea what I did right! (Although my first msgs had a little extra sign in it that I left out when I re-typed your address--I wonder if that was my DUH! mistake!)THANK you so much for letting me know!!!

Jo, I am so happy to see you my dear! I hope this means that your most recent headache with technology is close to over? If you read above, you will see I am facing my own phone problems! So disheartening and frustrating! I so sympathize even more with you now! If it wasn't for my fiance letting me use his whenever I ask, I might literally go mad lol! Hope to see you able to keep commenting. Oh, and thank you for your comments on the previous post (I am not going back there lol, too many loads), you really are such a sweet dear friend Jo!

Esti, OMG, I have missed your lovely comments! It is so nice to see you! I hope you will be reuinted with your laptop soon. Take care dear!

Jenn. that dreaded load more is maddening!!! It makes my laptop very grumpy but Discus is worse, so glad Charlotte doesn't have that. Tried to comment on a jewellery blog and Discus refused to accept it.

Esti, we've been missing you!! Delighted to see you returning. Wish I could say something intelligent in Spanish but would only make a fool of myself.

thanks for the post charlotte nice to read the fact that rebecca deacon she very helpful to the duke and duchess of cambridge to Lassen or ease their workloads during the public or official duties in the public maybe the duchess never treated her as a staff maybe she treated her like a friend or not just ordinary staff they were

I woke up this Sunday morning and was kind of sure I'd find a new 'Kate loves' post - and you didn't let me down, Charlotte! Thank you so much for this informative post!I love the Oasis dress... Does someone know if there are similar dresses somewhere at the moment?

Natalia, keep a check on the Oasis website in the coming months as they tend to have similar shift dresses in their Autumn/Winter collections. It's a great dress, I saw it on ebay not long ago for a steal.

Natalia, nothing on Oasis at the moment. I've been looking or for a similar dress for months now. Didn't realise my fashion sense was so similar to that of the lovely Rebecca Deacon! Can I claim my similar fashion style as a "royal connection?" Or is that too much of a stretch? ;-)

Hey Charlotte :) I was reading today about all the amazing detail that went into Queen Elizabeth's coronation dress, and I was was wondering, what sort of dress do you think Kate might wear at her future coronation?

She looks absolutely amazing, royalfan. The color with all those magnificent sapphires and diamonds. Wowza.

But it's a queen consort ensemble, which is what Kate's will be. Not quite the same as that magnificent gown the queen wore. I've only seen photos and I bet the original is amazing. Did anyone see it last year?

I saw it Bluhare - happened to have a business trip at same time and managed to steal an afternoon to get over to Buck House. It was a really good exhibition and a lot of the other robes worn by other members of the coronation party were there too. The queens dress was exquisite but one thing that struck me was how heavy and hot it must have been to wear. The detailed embroidery was truly beautiful and the thought and planning that must have gone into it is incredible ....Simone

Bluhare, I agree with you 100%! The Queen's gown was simply surreal! Sadly, I was not able to see it in person either, but I would have absolutely loved to! Such detail, the stitching alone, the jewels! Mind blowing!

During the 6-month Commonwealth tour in1953-54,The Queen wore the Coronation gown for a ceremony in Ceylon(hi, Esti! Now Sri Lanka) and apparently was on a dais outside. The hot sun heated up the metallic beads--and she got a number of burns from those pressing on her skin! She never let on, of course!The gown is very heavy--on Coronation day, it was cold & rainy, even though June 2 was chosen about a year & a half before as a probable perfect day! So that gown probably helped to keep her warm--although I also read that on the extra-long (and very uncomfortable) ride back to BP, her hands & nose got cold!)

Great idea, Charlotte, to include a post on Rebecca! She does get some decent press time, on occasion. Even with the Cambridges moving to Amner Hall, I suspect a lot goes on in their office and she'll be sufficiently busy.

Question: how is she affording these designers on her salary? Whenever I have seen Palace salaries tossed around, they don't seem very high. And I believe Kate doesn't accept free clothing, so it's not like she's getting items Kate doesn't choose, right?

Makes me think back to the Aussie/NZ tour when Rebecca sat behind Kate & William, as Kate sat next to her hairstylist...

Might RD be getting some of her clothing through discount outlets or on end-of-season sales? One can save up to 70% that way. Or would she have a separate clothing allowance in addition to her salary? Or would her clothing (since it's required for her work) qualify as a business expense under UK law? Does anyone have information on that?

In Canada, if RD were on contract (not salary), her clothing could be justified as a business expense and deducted from any tax assessed.

Anon 13:04 - I wondered the same thing. Rebecca may have a grace and favor apartment. If that's true, given the cost of housing anywhere in London, zero cost housing would free up a lot of money for discretionary spending. Also, RD possibly receives deep discounts from certain retailers because she's a royal staffer. Charles' former housekeeper published a tell-all book (banned in the UK) and she wrote that in the 1990's, staffers received as much as 80% off from some companies.

Thanks, Charlotte, for this amazingly informative post!!What amazes me each and every time is how you can land a job like Rebecca´s back in 2007 helping to organize a concert after having studied English at University. If you had studied German in Germany (the equivalent to what Rebecca did in Britain), you would NEVER EVER end up either organizing a charity concert or becoming private secretary - no way. You would have to study something related directly to those jobs like management or whatever. It´s amazing. I sometimes wish people here in Germany were so open-minded!

There's probably more to it than what is likely a simplified version suitable for a Press Release. The right schools, the accent like cut glass, the right connections, and the fact that a person with Rebecca's exceptional abilities will have been event planning since her grade school days. It's clear that she has associated with top-tier circles for some time. Perhaps by volunteering for other causes got her into planning for the concert. She likely was noticed by the "right" people long before she caught William's attention.

Philly, thank you for bringing something to my attention, I meant to ask this but forgot. Can you or anyone else tell me please, what is meant when "accent like cut glass" is said? I'm thinking it might mean a crisp, upperclass accent, but somehow, I think I'm not right.

Lovely post :) I'm so happy for Kate to have found someone who she can trust and is there for her.Charlotte do you know the designer of the long black evening dress Rebecca is wearing ? I simply love it!!!!

Thank you for the post Charlotte! I am reaching here but wonder if Rebecca coordinates to confuse any would-be nasty types. Seeing them together, with a similar look in hair and dress, people at a long distance might not know which is which at first? A female bodyguard?

I kind of doubt it. Firstly, they would look more similar if that was the intention. Secondly, I doubt Kate (and William) would allow it seeing as William saves people for a living and they want to be as normal as possible. I doubt they would allow someone to be bait.

What a great post! Charlotte you are the best! Even in this down and extremely boring time, you still find a way to inform us! Ps I haven't read the comments lately, there are so many of them and keep pressing the load more gets confusing...

Hello Anon 19:14, tis Jenn (I hate being called Jenny lol)...now you have my curiosity...do I know you? And octopus in a garage? Lol, funniest saying I ever heard, will definetly have to look it up in a few.

the "Kate loves"-posts have always been my favourite and this is definitely one of the best (in my eyes). First of all I like that you put the focus on a very important person in Kate's life, who is never fully realised by the public. Secondly you have found out so much information that I have the impression of getting much closer to Rebecca Deacon. Through your post I learn that she must be a very sympathetic woman who also manages a difficult job: not only to organise everything but also how to behave when in public with Kate. You have put so much work and time in that post and it is such a pleasure to read - I appreciate that so much. Thank you!

I googled it, and this is what BBC came up with: "The phrase for finding yourself out of place made me laugh: encontrarse como un pulpo en un garaje, feel like an octopus in a garage." or"Indeed, the idiom is estar más perdido que un pulpo en un garage, lit. to be more lost than an octopus in a garage, it means to feel confused about something. Do not confuse with como un elefante en una cacharreria, lit. like an elephant in a stuff shop - it´s like a loose bull in china shop."Which one is it Esti? To feel lost or confused?

Must watch that movie Spanglish again.

Gosh, I LOOVE Spanish, I have a Spanish lesson app on my iPhone, I use it when I clean the house. I shout phrases in Spanish, it is so much fun! Maybe you could teach us some more Esti, and we (The Three Musketeers/Ausketeers will teach you Australian English. Haha!

ESTI!! Lol, I also thought that was Marg! Awww Esti, that was so nice of you to ask for me and Leo...we have missed you truely! And because of my phone problems and work, I haven't been able to comment as much as I want. I hope you are well Esti! Are you back home yet? And how was your trip? So many questions for you, sorry, didn't mean to fling so many at you, but I will leave them regardless ;). Hope to hear from you again soon, I have to try to sleep soon, long day of work tomorrow. But hoping to check in here before work. See you tomorrow Esti and all!

First budgie smugglers and now an octopus in a garage!!!! Incredible what I'm learning on this blog!! How on earth did anyone come up with an octopus in a garage. just envisioning it is something. Can't think of anything to match it. Glad to have you back Esti!

Leo, I think I must have missed the defintion of budgie smugglers, and I'm not going through those "load mores" to find out. So could you help a fellow blogger, and tell me what it is? I would be most apprecitive. Thank you!

FLORENCEE You're a genious, to feel lost and confused, I'd really like to learn Aussie apart from American and Britain in the end a degree in English. Ha.JENN sorry for Jenny, anymore..Kisses..LEO I sent you a message with Charlotte..a big huge.JO, we both are the students so the youngest. :-S...I am in BILBAO=MORDOR, It' raining the whole time..:|ESTI

It has often irked me that kate only brings a clutch ... Instead of a fabulous handbag. It looks like Rebecca has the bag though, which makes me feel better - i like to think she has everything kate needs for the day stored in there in addition to her own items :)

I read somewhere Bluhare, but for the moment I can't think where, that she gets quite nervous before an event and the clutch gives her something to do with her hands - ie clutch the clutch :-) rather than wrong her hands or twist her rings .... No idea if there is any truth in that but I could see how it might be a useful "trick" ..... Simone

I am a horrible, horrible person because I just had a visual of a child getting clocked on the side of the head by Kate's bag and found is pretty funny, royalfan. Although she could put the strap of the handbag over her arm as the Queen does and carry a handbag. But point taken re shoulder bags!

I agree with all of you, you all make good sense, but my idea of a purse/bag/clutch would be one of those small bags that goes across the body, and when she bends over, it would be resting on the back of her hip (basically, on her butt). Do you know the type I mean? Its the one that is favored if you are worried about someone grabbing your purse off your shoulder. Honestly, I don't think it would look very good on her, or with most of her outfits...but it just popped in my head when you were talking about what would be easier for her and not get in the way.

I'm starting to get tired and brain cells aren't working right, so just ignore me lol.

When I want to look as sharp and clean as possible (say for a job interview) I always, always carry a clutch. This is because a clutch almost always creates a much more orderly and uncluttered aesthetic than a hand or shoulder bag. Purses with carrying straps typically add distracting or competing (versus unifying) design elements (design elements include movement, contrast, line) to an ensemble. FX, Shoulder and handbags hang from a body part plus they don't move in tandem with the body.when the wearer moves. I could write a lot about this topic but no one would read it.

It was Diana who started using flat purses that could be tucked under her arm when she was greeting people and accepting flowers. So much better than dealing with straps and a dangling, swinging purse. Kate's clutches are even smaller. She looks much less awkward when she is carrying one than when her hands are empty and she doesn't seem to know where to put them. One would guess she carries lip gloss, a handkerchief or tissue, and maybe the cell phone mentioned above. And money if she plans to shop.

I must confess to another personal hatred that I usually don't bring online. Clutches. :)

Yes, I have a few but I don't like them, mostly because I don't like putting them under my arm instead of carrying them if I need to use my hands. I like handbags. Matter of fact, I lust over one the the Queen's Launer bags. I think a small handbag, instead of a clutch, would be easier to work with.

Thank you, Charlotte! I think you have made Rebecca Deacon famous. :-) The sort of person Rebecca is speaks well for the sort of person William is in seeing her ability, as well as the sort of person Kate is for working so well with her. I hope William's new private secretary is as competent and congenial as Rebecca.

I have never been able to warm up to Rebecca Deacon. She would appear to put William first, Kate second. There have been times, including the Scots events mentioned above, when she seemed to mock Kate.

My view? In a perfect world, if Kate was an heiress in her own right, she would hire Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton.

Anon 02:15, I'm honestly curious, in your opinion, how do you think RD was mocking Catherine? And also, how does she put William first? I'm not disagreeing with you, because I don't have enough information either way to form an opinion about this subject. Thanks!

The Daily Mail and its usual gaffes. It would have been Charles Spencer's 21st, not Prince Charles's. And Althorp was not Diana's childhood home; she grew up on the Sandringham estate before her father became Earl Spencer. I don't know whether Frances Shand-Kidd denied the allegations. They were well known at the time, but no doubt were blown out of proportion by the media.

If you read the last post properly and in context Anonymous 03:12 you would understand what it was in relation to. The UUU are friendly smiles at anybody who would like them. I think they will probably continue, as we definitely need a friendly tone now and in the future. If everybody remains friendly, we probably will not require any honking.Do they annoy you, and if so why?

Are you serious??? It is something that people, who have been on this blog a long time I might add, say to each other out of friendship. The people that say it don't hide what it means, they have described/translated it for others many times over the past few months. Personally, I see nothing wrong with it, and I certainly don't think it is going to "hijack" this post!Of course, that is my opinion. You are entitled to yours. And since you already stated your opinion, I thought it only fair that I stated mine.

Charlotte, I put in a vote for the positive UUU and Honks. It is the negative posters that hijack the blog and cause discomfort. I came here to find out more about the British Royal Family - Kate in particular. I am more than capable of forming my own opinions and the constant negativity is frustrating!! I love your blog and the information you give. THANK YOU!!!!

Anon 5:45 ~ I completely agree and would add if people want to post or comment about Kate, they should. Charlotte already stepped in on the last post and I am surprised again at the rehashing. Let it go, let it go. I would rather have happy, reasoned discussion about Rebecca' s closets, job, hair.... You ladies really think she looks that much like Kate? I don't so much but her Somerset dress does~ wondering if Kate gifted it or RD bought it during a line preview. How fun those must be!

This blog is getting to be like a bunch of school children with there secret codes. And they have never been used on the blog until now. At the beginning there were grown people reading and commenting on this blog but it seems like a bunch of school kids joined in (or kids at heart). Still silly.

I'm with Florence on this one. That does sound like a blatant personal attack, completely uncalled for. Jo is entitled to make comments here, just like everyone else, without having to worry about personal (being called out by name) attacks. Many of us make a lot of comments, hell, I make a lot of comments when I have the time, does that make it the Jenn Show? I don't think so. Charlotte, does Jo really have to put up with this on a daily basis?

Florence for those of us who just read the blog with objectivity all this offense, and defense seems a bit high school. Let all the opinions stand and no need to high five and defend people solely because they post regularly.'Not meaning to hurt you just expressing some of us just read for facts and not friendship

Original Anonymous here. Florence I come here to discuss William and Catherine. It's not fair you Marg, Jo and Simone are carrying on personal chats and hijacking every thread. Why can you all not keep in touch privately and come here to discuss Catherine? No offense or disrespect meant. It isn't fair to all of us who have been here for years and now feel uncomfortable because as you clearly demonstrated we are all attacked for coming on here and letting our feelings be known. I shouldn't have to scroll through all this honking busines. It all has nothing to do with Catherine the monarchy or this site. So many regulars gone or not posting. I hope you will all speak up because this is an opportunity for us to let our true feelings be known.

Please join in anytime Anonymous 03:55.Happy to discuss the duchess anytime. Or anything else.I must question what you feel attacked about, as in every post I express the wish for everyone to be friendly and included. If you wish to read my extremely long post in the last post, please you may understand me better. That is entirely up to you though. There was no intention to offend, just caring for a few bruised souls.

ANON 3:55It can get tedious scrolling through many 1-liners that seem to be in code. :)

However, I just had a thought as I read your comment that the "honking business" is an outcome *because* of Kate and the blog's commentary. 1. The "honking" came about simply *because* some posters do express their honest opinions about Kate or William, get attacked by the myriad of "anonymouses", and have to step out. The only way to communicate thereafter is to unfortunately adopt a morse "honk".

2. As Florence pointed out. Conversations can take many twists when there is not much else to discuss.And yes W&K are laying very low at the moment, so one comment can spark off an unrelated topic.If W&K gave us more to talk about, then we would be discussing them far more.

3. I'm sorry you think the conversations of W&K are hijacked. I'm sure when an interesting remark is made about the monarchy, we all follow it through in a civil manner. It's not like every comment revolves around one's personal life. I see no harm in putting personalities behind the person making the comments anyway. After all, these reflect the personalities interested in the monarchy.This mere fact therefore makes these personalities relevant to the monarchy.

Apologies for the "unrelated comment". :)It's intent was not to offend, but to perhaps shed a light on the "light-hearted" commentary that can seem to cover a lot of "blog space".

Hi all! First time poster here! I know some people have been saying recently that they feel unwelcome or intimidated by what they feel to be a core group of posters but i just wanted to say that i haven't felt this at all. Actually i love reading everyone's comments - relating to the post or not - and this discussion has spurred me on to actually post! I think that if we weren't allowed to post personal messages to each other then Charlotte's blog would loose a little bit of its appeal. At least it would to me!! I don't want to offend anyone .... These are simply my thoughts. Keep posting everyone i feel as if im getting to know some wonderful people and i look forward to some exciting discussions!! Xo

just like Nerissa said I have never felt excluded by these funny comments, on the contrary, l like how friendly people have become towards each other. The only problem that I have is that I do not understand everything, but that is due to my English. Perhaps l can learn a bit more from you. :-)

People have agreed this is a community of people who care about each other. If people are sad or want to share personal stories, this has been taken on positively by many posters. Nobody is excluded. Jump right in.

Happy to discuss Catherine, but she ain't doin' nothin' to be talking about right now. So why not get to know each other a bit. I have personally never met anyone here in my life before. But it appears that a lot of ladies here have a lot of sensitivity, thoughtfulness and intelligence that goes beyond Catherine.

It's not a question of being unfriendly (Simone and Florence. Jo yes!). but when posts are totally off topic it doesn't belong on the blog. Be friends and talk all you want but please understand not everyone wants to read thru it. Not everyone has a facebook mentality where every single thought has to be shared with the world

Skipping is the new black as far as I am concerned. I decided not to get into the Dog Conversation, but that was my choice. It didn't annoy me. Maybe we should discuss the corgis? Or the Middleton dogs? Happy to do that too. I am a bit keen on those Spaniels, they look gorgeous. Oh dear, I am doing it again.

I actually like that you can get to know each other here. I'm not one in the "in-group" here, but I like hopping in in the conversations. And I agree with Leo, just skip over the things you don't like.. You do it everyday anyways. Not registering the advertisement, ignoring the homeless guy outside the market, not listening to the couple on the bus, ignoring the spam-mail, etc. Its part of life nowdays. What's one more thing to ignore?Let people talk to each other and feel good. It's better than all the other things one ignore in a day.

Yes of course we can skip over but the problem is the comments were becoming more and more personal chat. Nothing wrong with an occasional digression or a personal remark, gee how many restrictions do we want to put on people but it did seem like the comments section was all about the people in the comments section and not the blog.

Oh my gosh. People, if Charlotte did not think posts belong on her blog, she wouldn't post them on her blog. You are not the Duches Kate blog police. If you don't want to read something, scroll past it...it's not tha hard of a concept.

I, personally, enjoy the friendliness of the posters here, it's so different from a lot of other websites where people are idiots to each other because they are protected by the anonymity of posting online.

I have always posted as an Anonymous, because my reason for being here is not to become a blog personality, but to read about and discuss the facts of the Duchess of Cambridge's role in the royal family. Sometimes that means reminding commenters of things they may have forgotten, or never known. I have made almost no personal comments about my life or anyone else's. I don't object to the personal chatter, it is rather amusing, but I partly agree with those who say that it takes up a lot of space and makes it hard to wade through all of the load mores. The community of souls who want to engage each other personally is attractive, yet those who do so should keep in mind the needs of space and the wishes of those who want to discuss Kate within the context of the monarchy. This is in no way a personal attack; it is just agreement with those who would like to read more easily. (Skipping is only part of the answer; one has to read to find out what to skip!) I would like to think most of us who post as Anonymous are honest folk, here to discuss, not to attack.

Dear Anon 03.55I am sorry you feel so strongly and are obviously so upset.It would never be my intention to hijack the threads and I really apologise for that of it comes across as such - it's just my humour possibly being misunderstood and my humour was an attempt to lighten the atmosphere here at times.I have enjoyed the blog a great deal and it has been a good friend to me over the last 6 months or so.I actually wonder though if you are angry at me or angry at the fact that you have been "attacked" in the past and now feel you need to post anonymously - sorry if that seems a little Freudian!However, if you're being really honest why don't you say what is truly wrong as I honestly suspect it has little to do with honks and "U's" My apologies for upsetting you - I will retreat now :-)Simone

I, too, have had my comments, shall I say, dissed by the above group of commenters. I have commented using my name and as anon. But at least one third of the time, my comments apparently get approval. I do not know if this is because I am not one of the group or not, but it doesn't encourage one to make the effort to comment.

Conversation is great. Honking and smiling at each other "just because" increases the comments (as do the comments that tell others what they can say and how they can say it) and the load more is becoming a pain. Once it hits a certain level, I, myself, stop trying to wade through it all. So I don't mind folks being friendly, but there is a practical reason to limit the use of the "just because" and "this is how we do things on this blog" posts. For all those folks struggling with illness - hang in there. Sending good vibrations your way.

I will add, so this will be only "one comment" so as not to run up the numbers, - Thanks, Charlotte! Loved the post, loved that you put in a blurry photo of her, and I will honor my word!

I enjoyed the purse conversation above -- especially because it does point out the difference about "royal behavior" and non-royal behavior. Non-royals think about how they will carry what they need when they are out and about and look fashionable doing it. Royals think about who they are going to hire to carry what they need when they are out and about.

I vote for bringing back elbow evening gloves. Simone, I have been enjoying Love in a Cold Climate - thanks again for the recommendation! I recommend "The Queen's Sister" (2005 UK Channel 4) if you haven't seen it.

I wonder if, as Rebecca's private life evolves with possible marriage and children, she will be up to continuing in her demanding role. The overseas tours can last weeks at a time. Would Revecca leave her children? Bring them with her? How does that work usually? It's interesting to me that she has a tital of "Private secretary". In America we would call her a "Personal assistant". But private secretary does sound a lot better :)

That's always a question, California Cambridge, and one that has sometimes been uneasily answered in the past. Remember all personnel working for The Firm sign confidentiality agreements and some of the behind the gates machinations get buried under euphemisms with a quiet exit or tacit endurance that goes on for years.

Because of the royals' enormous power coupled with their utter dependence on discreet and loyal courtiers and staff who serve them, an unavoidable imbalance exists in their "relationship" which creates the potential for absolutely inappropriate demands from personnel.

I don't recall the specifics of each case, but the examples I cite occurred during the present Queen's reign and did garner public attention. In addition to quiet or not so quiet dismissals (which, I believe, include one of the present Queen's nannies) there are arcane cases on record of staff in RD's present situation not being permitted to marry and live their own lives because termination of their service was deemed too valuable to lose. In another instance a gay staffer was forced into a conventional marriage. That or termination.

Essentially, The Firm's personnel are indentured (contracted) servants--albeit very upper crust ones. In that sense, they cannot be compared to others in service (whether voluntary or not). However, both they and the royals give up a great deal of what we would call "private life" in order to carry on the work that both parties do.

Add in the psychological profile of the person who enjoys service (pleasing others) and the strong emotional ties that quite naturally exist between people after many years of supporting and being supported by each other (enabler and enabled) situations can get dicey. And while those who work for the Firm are paid (not bought) the potential for abuse is always there. And, cases of such abuse are on the public record.

on the resemblance of the 2 young ladies, now I realized why I thought it was Kate who wore a sleeveless dress in that blurry shot when they came out of the butterfly museum...It must be Rebecca...Thank you Charlotte for such insightful post. Nice write up and well put together. I enjoyed it very much. PS. Rebecca'a black brocade jacket reminds me of what Kate wore recently during the troope of colours...similar neckline and texture..Her blue coat dress could be French Connection? I wonder~

Why is it, when we are all discussing things, on topic or not, and everything is calm and serene......da da dum.....along comes a comment from an Anon and then the flood gates open wide?? Anyone else seen this pattern lately? Well I have, it is happening on everyone of Charlotte's posts on the blog, and I for one am getting downright sick of it!

Noticed this today when having a closer look at Rebecca and Kate side by side. (think someone has brought it up further up the thread) - Rebecca must be a giant!!

Rebecca stands at the same height as Kate when Kate has very high heels on and Rebecca has kitten heels. Didn't think there would be many women much taller than Kate.

Some comments have mentioned that Rebecca doesn't come across as being congenial.I think it's her mouth shape (usually pursed) but she has a lovely smile - on the rare occasions when she does smile.I also pick up that she stresses quite a bit (on Kate's behalf too). She has to keep the schedule running on time and take responsibility for literally *everything* Kate's doing.I think it's also part of the job, to look rather more serious, than look like you're having fun.

From what I can glean, she strikes me as taking her role very seriously but is probably a warm person (when allowed and when suitable). Any woman happy to see their mum preaching at the alter, can't be that bad?

These royal aids are in a tricky position. They can be their employer's friend, but can't get too close. It's a fine balance.

@ royalfan and @ Jean from NC. I saw a clip, which I watched more than once, of that trip to Scotland. In it, Rebecca was seen to shepherd Kate along--but it was the way she did so which left a sour taste in my mouth; just as Kate was about to engage/chat with a group of kids, who had been standing in the wet and cold for some time, Rebecca interrupted her, gave a deep bow from the waist, and extended one arm with an exaggerated flourish, in the direction she wanted Kate to take, posthaste. Thankfully, she seems to have dropped this nonsense.

She appeared to be urging Kate to catch up to William, but the way she did so reeked of disrespect--would never have happened under JLPs watch, and I have seen Jamie also urge Kate to move along, particularly during the Canadian tour; he would whisper to Kate, and then stand back, permitting her to end a conversation gracefully.

I very much doubt that Rebecca was chosen by Kate; they were foisted upon each other, come what may.

There have been many times when Kate has gone against protocol, such as walking ahead of the Queen, or loitering when people are waiting, when Rebecca has probably had to be firm with her and pull her back or usher her along. It may look "disrespectful" to you, but Rebecca clearly knows the job and how to manage flow and professionalism. I believe it is as simple as that.

As usual, another great post Charlotte!! I loved learning more about Rebecca Deacon. I believe she has the dream job!!! I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have her job. It would be an honor and a privilege to be chosen to work so closely with Kate and the Royal family.Jen - Maryland, USA

Isn't it a bit ironic that during another period of prolonged absence from W&K, we read about this royal aide who does just exactly wat Kate is supposed to be doing when not on public engagements?

Quoted: "ensuring the Duchess is fully prepared for engagements, knowing the background of the organisation and information on the people she will meet. From writing speeches, answering phone calls and keeping up with essential correspondence to ensuring there isn't a hair out of place before Kate meets the press, it's all part of her job."

Great post. I loved reading about Rebecca. Just wondering what her salary might be? Whenever I daydreamingly look at posting for KP or any other royal household everything seems super low and I cannot imagine how anyone makes a living over there. I saw from the posts about the Australian tour that she now has an assistant so I wondered if that's a position she hired/pay for herself or would that be covered by the palace's budget?

Great post, Charlotte. I imagine as Kate's workload increases in future, Rebecca might be given assistants of her own. She seems to manage a demanding role with aplomb and stylish clothing. Did everyone spot the wedges? They both like comfortable footwear over high fashion, good for them.

Anon 12:30 due you have a link to that clip or remember where you saw it. I wonder if this is a working relationship that will survive as Catherine matures. There can be quite a change in your thirties from what you want from your working associates. Having children can also impact that. It may be a match made in heaven and last many years, or not, only time will tell. Ali

I'd like to see Harry hook up with Rebecca. Now wouldn't that be interesting: the fun-loving, easy-going, joke-making prince with the ever-organized, on-top-of-things, in-control assistant.Actually I just want Harry to find someone, anyone. He seems to have been so unlucky - his girlfriends all seem scared of the fishbowl existence that they would have to endure. Harry appears to be a warm, personable man. There must be a woman out there who's his match!

This 2009 article about Selina Deacon, Rebecca's mother is very sweet. I also has a photo of her mum wearing her clergy collar.http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/you/article-1235110/Selina-Deacon-finding-new-lease-life-vicar.html

The Rebecca-Kate team has a great symbiotic working relationship, I appreciate Rebecca's dress and working style much more now. Her family background was also an interesting read. A very well researched and very well presented post,, Charlotte!xoxo

Thanks for a very interesting post. It is a nice change to see something different and learn something. I have not been reading the comments as it seems like there is a change of posters. I really miss Sara from California and Kate from Texas. Bluhare and Jean are about the only two of the old regulars. I even miss Pauline. They all just post their view and clarified if needed. Not this Names vs anonymous. The best part is I know by the name who to skip.Nancy from California

@ royalfan, Anon at 21:11. This trip to Scotland happened some time ago, and I can't recall where I saw it--maybe ITN? But I don't know how to access that site, without direction, and am clueless as to how to go about retrieving old clips. Sorry. royalfan, I hope you can find the clip.

@ Jean from NC. I seem to have upset you, but you did ask me to expand--or someone named Jean did--and I have done so, to the best of my limited internet ability. Tell me tho, what is the difference between someone who calls her/himself royalfan or greybird or anonymous? Aren't we all using a pen-name?

Comments are most welcome! Constructive discussion is always encouraged but off topic or hateful remarks will not be published.

We ask you use a name when posting (a pseudonym such as the name of a royal you like or anything you wish). If you do not wish to use the sign in options, simply select the "Name/URL" option on the drop down menu and insert your name, and if you wish the country/state you're from. You can leave the URL blank.

If there are a large number of comments, it is necessary to click the 'Load More' button at the end of the comments section to see the latest additions.